Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
18 Months -
20 Jan 2025
This course will allow you to become a qualified youth and community worker, increasing your employment opportunities in this rapidly changing field. It is validated by the National Youth Agency.
You will participate in a rich and culturally diverse teaching and learning environment and undertake two challenging placements, enabling you to apply your knowledge and hone your practical skills. During your studies, you will critically engage with the tensions and challenges of current practice, build a sophisticated knowledge of effective management approaches, debate how youth work and community development has responded to shifting government policies and learn how to support inclusive practice that can inspire
positive social change.
This course has been designed on the principles which promote social justice, and challenge injustice and inequality. Alongside the taught modules, you will be able take advantage of our professional development programme, which offers the chance to explore and understand recent developments in the field, exchange experiences with colleagues and practitioners and learn from one another. You will also gain an understanding of how to conduct research as a practitioner, and undertake an in-depth dissertation study.
On this course you will undertake a total of 400 hours of placement practice - half of this time will be spent with young people aged 11-25, with the main focus being 13-19 years. One placement may be in your current place of work, and while both aim to meet the fieldwork practice requirements of the NYA. You will have access to our online learning portal, with 24/7 access to modules and bespoke specialist resources produced by our course team and wider University.
Alongside the modules runs a professional development programme providing further opportunity for you to critically analyse recent developments in the field and to exchange experiences with colleagues and practitioners. In addition, you will gain an understanding of conducting practitioner research and undertake a substantial dissertation.
Why study Youth Work and Community Development at Leeds Beckett University...
- Professionally recognised course
- Practice-based learning
- Core teaching team of professionally qualified youth and community workers
- Opportunities for local, regional, national and international placements
Why Leeds for health? Employing over 196,000 health and science professionals, Leeds is the UK’s leading centre for healthcare and innovation. Find out why studying here is the right choice for you.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from a work environment or from a voluntary setting environment.
Applicants should demonstrate in their personal statement the relevant work or voluntary experience they have gained with young people or adults in a community related setting.
All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
All applications should be supported by a reference, you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. For further information on DBS checks, click here
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from a work environment or from a voluntary setting environment.
Applicants should demonstrate in their personal statement the relevant work or voluntary experience they have gained with young people or adults in a community related setting.
All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
All applications should be supported by a reference, you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. For further information on DBS checks, click here
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Youth and Community Work is facing the challenge of constant change, responding to the needs of policymakers, funders and increasingly disparate and diverse communities. This module will provide a critical understanding of the social and political changes that are taking place in post-Brexit Britain, the rise of populist politics, and a range of tensions and concerns that exist in an increasingly uncertain world.
You will synthesise the complex relationship between personal and professional values and practice within National Occupational Standards, approaches and interventions to Youth and Community Work, government agendas and protocols for work with children, young people and wider communities, key thinkers and theorists, challenges of multi professional and partnership working and explore the shifts taking place in a rapidly changing sector.
Gain practice-based experience as you begin your journey into a career in youth work. You'll complete a range of tasks and reflect on your practice as you receive feedback on your skills as a youth worker. You'll deliver a programme of intervention – a piece of work that you've created through your work with young people.
Select, devise, analyse and synthesise research and evidence-based practice findings in an inter-professional environment. You will develop an advanced understanding of selected research methods and have opportunities for acquiring appropriate research skills through study and application to their own sphere of professional practical experience.
Youth workers need to be adaptable and multi-skilled to deliver a high-quality youth work service, as well as leading others and managing the organisation. This module will teach you how to deploy a range of management skills and techniques. You'll contribute to key tasks such as the pursuit of funding, writing commissioning documents, providing strong leadership, and identifying development opportunities for your organisation.
This module includes a minimum of 200 hours assessed professional practice. You'll learn about the placement process and will be introduced to the knowledge and skills needed for leading and managing youth work practice. You'll be encouraged to take on a leadership role and begin to liaise with outside agencies. This will enable you to recognise the importance of inter-professional working and the different roles external organisations play.
This module will introduce you to contemporary practice in a global context and the impact of globalisation on local youth work practice. Building on shared experiences, you'll examine the effect of issues such as climate change, poverty, conflict, health and migration on young people and their communities.
Undertake an independent piece of original advanced research that you will be expected to plan, implement and report with guidance from a supervisor. This can take the form of a traditional dissertation or a practice-based enquiry. Working with a named supervisor, you will be expected to show initiative and responsibility in this process as well as the capacity to reflect on evidence and make links with research theory and practice.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£7,500
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £7500. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£7,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £7500. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout your course. You will need to travel to access placement opportunities, but placements can be close to home to help minimise costs. Travel expenses thresholds are tiered depending on the location of your placement. You can claim public transport costs (with a receipt) as follows: regional travel up to £300, national travel up to £500, international placement travel up to £750. You will need to cover any costs above these limits
Optional Costs
- Annual opportunities for international study visits (in previous years students visited Sweden and Barcelona), funded through Erasmus but you would need to make a contribution to travel and accommodation costs (£300). Places are limited, and this is an additional learning opportunity, that is not a course requirement
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout your course. You will need to travel to access placement opportunities, but placements can be close to home to help minimise costs. Travel expenses thresholds are tiered depending on the location of your placement. You can claim public transport costs (with a receipt) as follows: regional travel up to £300, national travel up to £500, international placement travel up to £750. You will need to cover any costs above these limits
Optional Costs
- Annual opportunities for international study visits (in previous years students visited Sweden and Barcelona), funded through Erasmus but you would need to make a contribution to travel and accommodation costs (£300). Places are limited, and this is an additional learning opportunity, that is not a course requirement
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
I can’t speak highly enough of my time at Leeds Beckett. I’ve really learnt how to educate myself with the youth work theories and best practice so that I can champion social justice and change young people’s lives for the better. I’ve come from being a part-time youth worker to managing a team of 16 people – I wouldn’t have had the confidence nor the opportunities without my course.
Jon Giordano
Senior Practitioner Surrey Heath
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Alumni stories | My dream job has allowed me to give children a voice
Nicki Watkinson
Strategic Manager, NY Voice
Career Prospects
By enhancing your ability to build trusting, professional relationships with troubled and challenging young people, coupled with proven experience of working in multi-agency settings, you will become an effective youth and community worker who will be sought after by employers.
- Youth Worker
- Community Development Worker
- Behavioural Support Worker
- Charity Project worker
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
